Japan’s most beloved railway tradition has gained a new face—and a new set of whiskers. On January 7, a calico cat named Yontama was officially appointed stationmaster at Kishi Station, marking the occasion with a modest yet heartfelt ceremony attended by railway employees, local supporters, and devoted fans of the line’s famous feline staff. A commemorative medal bearing her new title was carefully placed around her neck, sealing her role in railway history.
Kishi Station is part of the Wakayama Electric Railway’s Kishigawa Line, a route that has become internationally famous for its “cat employees.” Since 2007, resident cats have been given honorary railway titles, charming passengers by welcoming visitors, posing for photos, and calmly overseeing station life while dressed in miniature stationmaster hats. What began as a lighthearted idea has grown into a global phenomenon, drawing tourists from around the world and turning a small rural railway into a cultural icon.
A New Recruit Joins the Team
Alongside Yontama’s promotion, the railway also introduced Rokutama, an adorable newcomer officially labeled a stationmaster “candidate.” Still in training, Rokutama represents the next generation of feline staff, ensuring the beloved tradition continues. Her early responsibilities include observing station life, greeting passengers, and—most importantly—perfecting the art of looking dignified while napping.
Wakayama Electric Railway president Mitsunobu Kojima explained on the company’s website that Rokutama is called a “candidate” rather than an apprentice because she has not yet graduated from the whimsically named Okayama Electric Tramway Cat Stationmaster Training Center. In essence, she has been sent into service early, much like a student gaining real-world experience before completing their studies.
Carrying on Tama’s Legacy
The cats of the Kishigawa Line follow a unique naming tradition that traces back to Tama, the original stationmaster appointed in 2007. Each successor’s name builds on Tama’s legacy with a numerical prefix: Nitama (Tama II), Yontama (Tama IV), and Gotama (Tama V), who joined the team last year to help share duties between Kishi and Idakiso stations. With the arrival of Rokutama (Tama VI), the lineage continues.
This year’s ceremony also paid tribute to Nitama, who passed away in November and was posthumously named honorary stationmaster in recognition of her years of service. Tama herself remains a legendary figure in Japanese railway history, widely credited with helping save the struggling Kishigawa Line from financial collapse. Her success inspired similar initiatives across Japan, with other local railways appointing animals as symbolic staff.
With Yontama now officially on duty and Rokutama waiting in the wings, the Kishigawa Line’s paw-powered tradition shows no sign of slowing down—proving once again that sometimes, the best way to win hearts and boost tourism is with a cat in a hat. 🐾🚉
